Undefeated Ayrton to Target the Stradbroke

Mark Smith - Saturday May 8

While there were no stakes races at Caulfield on Saturday, plenty were willing to argue the most promising young horse to race on the day captured the final event on the programme.

It is hard not to get caught up in Mick Price's unbridled enthusiasm for the 3yo Iffraaj (GB) gelding Ayrton.

Ayrton (Image Grant Courtney)

The final leg of a 5-timer for Jamie Kah, Ayrton kept his record at a perfect three for three with a dominant performance over 1200m in his first start in 19 weeks.

Given an easy time of it over the final furlong, Ayrton defeated Curran (Night Of Thunder by one and a quarter lengths with The Big Easy (Written Tycoon) a further three and three-quarter lengths back in third.

The win earned Ayrton a trip to Brisbane for the Fred Best Stakes, which hopefully will be a springboard to the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.

"I was a little bit toey about the 1200m, but I wanted him as fresh as he could be," Price said.

"He has had two good trials. He is a good-tempered horse, still a bit to learn, but I think 1400m or a mile would be good.

"We have our little plan, which involves a trip, then that will be us for this prep.

Advertisement

"I'm not a big spruiker, I hope I'm not anyway, but I remember when we first had the horse on his first start, a couple of Hong Kong people rang. I usually say 'give me a figure,' but I said a plain no, it's not happening.

"I think he is one of the better horses I've had.

"The Fred Best in three weeks is a win and you're in for the Stradbroke. All being well, that will be us."

Ayrton failed to make his $40,000 reserve as a yearling - worth much more now

Bred by Greg McCarthy and sent to Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan, Ayrton caught the eye of bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo in a barrier trial. Purchased by clients of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Ayrton carries the increasingly familiar colours of Roll The Dice Racing.

Passed in shy of his $40,000 reserve at the 2019 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Ayrton is the second winner from as many to race out of the unraced Falkirk mare Odessa.

A half-sister to the Group III Eulogy Stakes winner Monterey Bay, Odessa died in 2019. Her final foal is a 2yo colt by Sweynesse.

Advertisment

Race Result - Darren Gauci Hcp 1200m

Caulfield Track: Good(4) Time: 1:10.08
1
Ayrton
- 3g Iffraaj (GB) x Odessa (NZ) (Falkirk (NZ))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: Jamie Kah 56.5
2
1.3
Curran
- 3g Night Of Thunder (IRE) x Tramell (AUS) (Street Cry (IRE))
Tnr: Ms L Tolson & Ms L Proctor Rdr: Matthew Cartwright 53.5
3
5.1
The Big Easy
- 3g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Sunday Chill (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: Teodore Nugent 53.5
4
6.7
Snickerdoodledandy
- 3f Snitzel (AUS) x Crafty Irna (AUS) (Starcraft (NZ))
Tnr: P G Moody Rdr: Carleen Hefel 54
5
6.9
Yulong Command
- 3g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Prettyhappyaboutit (AUS) (Magnus (AUS))
Tnr: A & S Freedman Rdr: Lachlan King 56
6
7.9
Crystal Chief
- 3g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Crystal Wit (AUS) (Distorted Humor (USA))
Tnr: M Ellerton & S Zahra Rdr: D Moor 54
7
11.7
Shelby Cobra
- 3g Toronado (IRE) x Segenhoe Valley (AUS) (Dane Shadow (AUS))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: B Prebble 58
8
17.7
Haystacks Calhoun
- 3g Rubick (AUS) x Miss Haystacks (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Ms D Chapman Rdr: Patrick Moloney 54
9
21.9
River Night
- 3f Night Of Thunder (IRE) x River Pearl (AUS) (Helmet (AUS))
Tnr: M Ellerton & S Zahra Rdr: Liam Riordan 53
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Monday May 5
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
First Season Highlights – These Guys Made an Impression
The Inglis Australian Weanling Sale gave buyers the opportunity to have a first look at the progeny of a new crop of  first season sires and the big banger of the group duly produced the highest priced baby from this cohort of sires.
Kiwi Bred Ayrton Back to Best in Listed Weekend Hussler
The roller-coaster career of highly talented galloper Ayrton got back on the right track with a tenacious performance to win Saturday’s Listed The Big Screen Company Weekend Hussler (1400m) at Caulfield.
Records Tumble at Huge Australian Weanling Sale
The most successful Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in history concluded at Riverside today with a record individual top price of $775,000 paid for a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB), a record gross and record average.
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
Golden Eagle on the Radar for Ayrton
Connections were relieved when the one-time Stradbroke Handicap favourite Ayrton opened his stakes account in Saturday’s Group III Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm and they now have the $7,500,000 Golden Eagle in their sights.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday May 6
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.